I have sensitive, acne prone skin. That’s no secret. And I also currently have dry skin. No matter how much I moisturize, some part of my face still flakes. One day it’s my chin, another day it’s my cheeks. I don’t even remember what it’s like to have “normal” skin.
Since the moisturizing lotion isn’t taking care of the problem, I researched other probable reasons why my skin is so dry. Of course, the weather has a lot to do with it, as well as my forgetfulness on the water front. Another reason may be the lotion I’m using, and I’m currently looking into that. And the final reason that hit home was proper exfoliation…or lack thereof.
I don’t exfoliate regularly…oops! Apparently, this is really important. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, prevent blemishes, and unclog pores. An exfoliating scrub is a moisturizer’s wingman. It helps the latter do its job more effectively!
Enter a homemade, all natural exfoliating scrub that was featured on most of the sites I looked at.
Now, I’m not sure why I went the homemade route – maybe it’s because I’m Indian and grew up using homegrown remedies, or because I’m cheap and lazy and didn’t feel like making a trip out to the store, or because I loved the idea of concocting something in the kitchen and seeing if it really works. Probably a combination of all three!
In any case, I absolutely loved this gentle scrub! It left my skin feeling softer then ever. And I was shocked and happy to find no lingering flakes. Another big plus is that it was easy to make, and I’m 99% sure most people have all of the ingredients in their kitchens.
Looks like I have applesauce all over my face!
Sugar Scrub
1 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. honey
1 tsp. milk
2 tablespoons sugar
Mix together all of the ingredients and form a paste. Apply the paste to your (clean, makeup free) face and gently rub in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water.
Note: These proportions will give you about 3-4 uses. You can store the leftover scrub in the refrigerator for up to a week.
I plan on exfoliating with this scrub at least three times a week. I’m interested to see if it helps reduce my acne over time. Fingers crossed!
What are your favorite homegrown remedies?
I’m glad you have found something that works for you. Love homegrown remedies–> the less chemicals the better! Apparently oats are fab to use as a facial product- def google it if you get a chance.
I was going to say that as well! 😀 My friends say that it’s good for you to use as mask. I had it done on me once b/c we had a girls fellowship night from church once, and it included getting masks on our faces! They put it on me and it felt pretty refreshing~
I’ve heard oats are great for soft skin too. I need to get on that!
I feel your pain – my skin is not pretty right now.
One scrub I’ve tried and liked is equal parts water and baking soda. I mix it together (about 3 T worth) and bring it in the shower with me. It leaves my face feeling like baby skin!
My skin definitely goes through phases, and I hate it!
Being an Indian, I rarely buy stuff like exfoliators from the store. Its so much easier, cheaper and organic. A couple of drops of lime juice work well too. Milk, cukes and tomato with lime juice is a great combination for acne and skin softening.
I’ve never heard of that combo – will def. have to try it out, especially if its good for acne.
Hahah I rem my grandma telling me all of these home remedies and me brushing them off when I was 16 because it was ‘uncool’ to scrub your face with oats and honey. I use the St Ives apricot scrub which I believe is pretty natural and exfoliate maybe 2-3 times a week. But, now that I’m grown, I’m seeing the wisdom in all the all-natural path.
Wanna know what’s even better?? An ALL-BODY exfoliation – seriously your skin feels incredible after. Just need those exfoliating gloves and a body wash.
I need to get on that! I wish I had known how wonderful exfoliating regularly really is!